What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a highly personal, experiential process that uses breathing techniques to clear out physical, mental and emotional blocks
or stress. The origin of many behavioral difficulties can be found in very early childhood experiences. Early in life we learn to
physically suppress the feeling or expressing of our emotions by tensing muscles and restricting the breath. Over time, this protective
process becomes automatic and we lose the capacity to experience and express emotions. This constant subconscious repression takes a
huge amount of energy. It can sap our vitality and rob us of the ability to experience the positive feelings of love, joy and pleasure.
Breathing is the interaction between our inner selves and the surrounding atmosphere. When we breathe, we absorb, in addition to physical
substances, the surrounding reality into our inner system. It is essential, therefore, both for physical and psychological well-being
that our breathing is optimal.
Breathwork has been found to be a very precise key to the body's natural healing resources. It consists of a variety of circular and conscious connected breathing techniques that can be described as a relaxed, connected and total way of breathing. This breathing pattern triggers a natural process of cleansing and purifying in both the body and the psyche. The combination of deep relaxation, openness of the body and mind, and increased oxygen intake, tends to dissolve everything that stands in the way of the body's natural circulation.
Breathwork is both art and science. The art is about surrendering to and trusting your own process. It is about letting go, releasing control and getting the mind out of the way. The science is about techniques that support the surrendering. It is about adjusting your breath, correcting your thoughts and changing your perception. One is the feeling part -- One is the thinking part. Both are valuable. Breathwork is most effective when both are in balance.
For personal growth and development, stress management, spiritual unfoldment or as an adjunct to psychotherapy, breathwork is a useful tool for bringing about permanent, positive life changes.
